In a significant display of respect, numerous world leaders gathered on 9 September for the state funeral of King Harald V of Norway, who passed away on 28 August. However, notably absent from this solemn occasion was former U.S. President Donald Trump. Instead of attending the funeral held at Oslo Cathedral, Trump opted to speak at the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention taking place in Dallas, Texas.
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Trump, aged 80, chose to forgo the memorial service for the late Norwegian monarch, affirming his commitment to the political gathering in Texas. The convention spans two days, and following his keynote speech on Wednesday, Trump is set to close the event on 10 September after remarks from Vice President JD Vance.
In the wake of King Harald’s death, Trump expressed his condolences via a post on Truth Social. The former president reflected on the late monarch’s legacy, describing him as “a strong, proud, and greatly respected man.” He further highlighted King Harald’s deep connection to Norway, noting that he was “truly loved and respected by his people.” Trump’s heartfelt statement was accompanied by a message of support for the royal family and the Norwegian public during what he termed “a truly BIG loss.”
King Harald’s death came after a two-week hospital stay, where he was treated for a rare blood condition, ultimately passing away at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at the age of 89. He reigned as Norway’s king for over three decades, and his impactful service is remembered fondly by Norwegians.
The funeral in Oslo witnessed a remarkable turnout of international royalty and dignitaries. In attendance were King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Queen Sofía from Spain, alongside King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Swedish royals, including King Carl Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria, were also present. The gathering underscored the deep respect and appreciation held for King Harald worldwide.
Other notable attendees included King Philippe and Queen Mathilde from Belgium, as well as King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan. Representing the British monarchy was Princess Anne, who attended in a personal capacity due to her role as a godmother to the newly crowned King Haakon. Notably, King Charles III did not attend the funeral, adhering to a longstanding tradition where British monarchs rarely partake in the funerals of fellow heads of state. The late Queen Elizabeth II exemplified this, having attended just one such event during her reign— that of King Baudouin of Belgium in 1993.
As tributes continued to pour in, the impact of King Harald’s reign was highlighted by leaders and citizens alike. Having ascended to the throne in 1991, he was a beloved figure in Norway and had worked diligently to promote unity and understanding, both domestically and internationally. His commitment to public service and the values of compassion and dedication left an indelible mark on Norway’s national identity.
The absence of Donald Trump at such a significant moment in royal history drew attention, particularly given the outpouring of respect from other global leaders. It serves as a reminder of the varied roles and responsibilities that politicians contend with, often forcing them to make challenging decisions about their engagements, even during times of mourning.
As Norway mourns the loss of King Harald V, the legacy he leaves behind will surely shape the future of the Norwegian monarchy and its interactions on the world stage. The upcoming reign of King Haakon, alongside Queen Mette-Marit, will undoubtedly continue to reflect the values instilled by his father, ensuring that King Harald’s spirit of service and love for the people remains at the forefront of the kingdom’s endeavors.